Careers - Differentiating Yourself

CAREERS

Differentiating Yourself

Involvement outside the classroom and the cockpit

Written by: Justin Abrams

As we discussed last month, the initial application for a position in the aviation industry is a crucial part of the hiring process. It represents the first opportunity to introduce yourself and your qualifications to a company with the goal to convince a recruiter that you will make a great addition to their company. In an attempt to put your best foot forward and accurately portray what makes you the best candidate, it is helpful to take a methodical approach when completing an application to provide all relevant details highlighting your past experiences.

When approaching any given section of an application, it is important to take a moment and consider the purpose behind the request for specific information. In an era when companies receive significantly more applications than there are available positions, it is a waste of both the company’s and applicant’s time to request superfluous information. To an applicant this means that all information submitted is important and will factor into the evaluation of one’s overall application. Avoid the urge to enter information haphazardly simply to complete the section, but instead think about why the company is asking for the information and how you can best provide it in a way that underscores your qualifications.

When asked about extracurricular activities and those outside of work, it is not the time

to become shy about your involvement. A company wants to get an understanding of who you are, generally starting with your high school years and moving forward to today. To help them accurately appreciate you through your background, be sure to provide insight into your activities throughout your educational years and adult life. A demonstrated history of involvement allows a recruiter to see what you have done that is beyond the scope of what is required. Include all activities from school organizations to volunteer work, to leadership roles within professional memberships as they help explain the experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today. Do not refrain from including activities that you consider irrelevant either. Involvement in activities completely outside of aviation show that you have a well-rounded background and should certainly be included in an application. As the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words,” and I believe that applies to this portion of any application. Anyone can say that they have leadership skills but backing that up with a specific example of a leadership position held goes much further in the eyes of a recruiter.

Applications, just like the individual filling them out, are all different. It would be impossible to discuss every possible activity that may be included in an application. On a similar note, it is important to remember that an application is reviewed in its entirety and no applicant is judged on just one section. Perhaps you worked while in school and did not have time for extracurricular activities. Or maybe there simply weren’t any activities that piqued your interests. Don’t fret if you do not have many activities in this section for there are plenty of other areas where you can demonstrate your qualifications and abilities.

For those who may not yet be looking for a position in the industry, it is time to think through your experiences thus far and create a list of your extracurricular activities. Similar to tabbing checkrides in a logbook, once this task is done it never needs to be completed again. Having this list handy will save you time during the application process and will ensure that you do not forget any of the activities in which you participated, even several years back. It is also never too late to become more involved on a professional, local, or educational level. Involvement in activities or organizations outside of your work or classroom will accomplish much more than fill spaces on an application. They will also provide for your personal and professional development.

About the Author

Justin Abrams is a first officer for a major US airline. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation with a minor in Security and Intelligence from the Ohio State University in 2015. Read More...

FEATURE

Despite a challenging year for the airline industry, one full of uncertainty and operational reductions, we witnessed the launch of Avelo Airlines, the first launch of a mainline airlines in 15 years. On April 28, Avelo Airlines successfully operated its first scheduled passenger flight, a California intrastate route from Burbank to Sonoma. Avelo Airlines promises a smoother and more caring travel experience. Their purpose is to “Inspire Travel” and the company is devoted to connecting people with the experiences they value most. The airline’s operational structure promises to make the travel experience easier, faster and less expensive from curbside drop off to destination baggage claim. With a strong leadership team and big plans for the future, Avelo Air offers another choice for pilots looking for career opportunities.

First Officer Breyon Rengel describes what she likes best about working for Avelo Airlines: “The opportunity to be part of a brand-new startup airline that values its customers and crewmembers. It is not often in the aviation industry you get to be a part of an airline from the ground up while watching it grow and progress into something large and successful, but at Avelo, you can.” As the airline’s goal is to dramatically change the travel experience for its customers, it should come as no surprise that their operational strategies differ significantly from other airlines. Avelo Airlines seeks to correct inefficiencies within airline operations to greatly reduce its operational costs and pass the savings along to its customers as ultra-low fares. Their operation follows five fundamental strategies that allow it to offer low prices but still run a profitable business.

First, Avelo Airlines seeks to follow a highly efficient, ultra-low-cost business model. In doing so, they will correct inefficiencies that they believe exist in most current airline operations. Part of this model involves using modern technology to access a 100% cloudbased technology platform which results in a much lower financial investment in the overall operation of the airline. Additionally, the utilization of direct-to-consumer sales allows Avelo to control their own marketing costs and book passenger travel through their own website using their resources.

The second strategy is a commitment to everyday low fares. Avelo does not intend to use sales promotions to garner passengers, instead, they will offer consistently lowticket prices. Avelo also offers unbundled options that will truly enhance the customer experience and give passengers control over their amenities and budget. Fees for additional services, such as priority boarding and seat selection, provide flexibility for customers to access what they value.

Avelo’s simple and easy-to-manage network route structure is the third fundamental. Utilizing only non-stop, short-haul, and connection-free flights reduces the need for additional costly resources that are required to handle the rebooking and re-routing of passengers. This simple route network brings with it the ability to operate shorter turns in between flights and produce strong operational reliability. The fourth fundamental strategy is the airline’s use of smaller, more convenient airports. Avelo’s main hub, Hollywood Burbank Airport, was chosen due its proximity to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and many other areas in Southern California. Destination airports out of Burbank will look quite similar and keep to the same theme of simple operations. Avelo Airlines announced its second base in New Haven, Conn. They will launch scheduled service on November 3, 2021 and serve five Florida destinations. Avelo’s leadership team believes this growth represents enormous potential for the airline and it has already invested $1.2 million for upgrades to the Tweed-New Haven airport and other facility modernization. The airline has no intention of slowing down, as they have been clear about becoming a national airline with a plan to add two to three bases every year across the country.

The last fundamental strategy is the use of an efficient, trusted aircraft fleet. Avelo operates Next Generation Boeing 737 aircraft which offer the comfort desired by passengers and the overall efficiency needed by the airline. One of the most popular commercial jets in the history of commercial aviation, the Boeing 737 was the right choice for the airline as they can acquire and operate them at the cost necessary to keep airfare prices low. Currently, the airline has six B-737NG aircraft operating out of Burbank, CA. They plan to add up to ten aircraft every year and expect to have 40-50 aircraft in the next five years.

Avelo Airlines crewmembers currently fly out-and-back trips providing their pilots stability in the workday and a positive work- and home-life balance. This out-and-back structure allows crewmembers to be home with their families every night with continual maintenance on the aircraft. Schedules are built around having more hours in fewer days, with pilots averaging 15-20 days off per month. In addition, they will operate charter flights that may include overnights.

First Officer Rengel describes a typical duty day: “You will start work between 0600-1100 and return to base every night before 2200, with the opportunity to pick other trips and occasional overnights. This out-and-back structure allows for continual maintenance on the aircraft, which helps us, as pilots, have peace of mind knowing the airplanes are well maintained.”

Avelo Airlines is actively hiring pilots! Applicants who meet their qualifications will be sent an online assessment. If successful, they are invited to attend a virtual company information presentation that includes an open Q&A session. Those attendees are then able to self-schedule their interview. Currently, all interviews are being held virtually, and consist of a technical interview and panel interview. Successful candidates can expect to be notified within a few days and start new hire training within a month. They are expecting to hire 20 more pilots this year and 60 pilots in 2022.

The airline hopes to attract aviation professionals who are looking to join an airline in its infancy and truly be a part of its development. Those interested in working for the airline may see tremendous advancement opportunities as the airline grows! At Avelo Airlines, you will be treated as a person, not just a number. First Officer Rengel commented, “Each crewmember has the drive to work together and support one another. This creates a very family-orientated environment that makes each day at work more enjoyable.”

Come be a part of Avelo Airlines One Crew culture! Visit their website: www.aveloair.com/ careers and apply today!